Resources for Pastors

Holistic support, vetted counseling, retreat centers, sabbatical tools, and connection opportunities designed to address the spiritual and emotional burdens of clergy leadership.

Assessments

These self-assessments help identify ministry burnout early and chart a clear, dignified path toward restoration.

An open leather-bound journal and a ceramic tea mug on a clean walnut wood table in a sunlit library in North American / US, surrounded by books and soft morning rays, evoking quiet contemplation, renewal, and academic research.
An open leather-bound journal and a ceramic tea mug on a clean walnut wood table in a sunlit library in North American / US, surrounded by books and soft morning rays, evoking quiet contemplation, renewal, and academic research.

Francis Burnout Inventory: https://createlabs.community/burnout-check/

Ministry Well-Being Assessment: https://www.ministrywellbeing.org

Printable manual self-care assessment: https://www.pastoralcareinc.com/counseling/self-care-assessment/

Pastoral Therapy

Confidential mental health counseling is available and a useful tool for self-care. There are faith-informed counselors available worldwide, including Telehealth options.

A tranquil counseling office in North American / US, featuring comfortable linen armchairs, a wooden coffee table with a small ceramic mug, warm ambient sunlight streaming through a large window, calm sage green indoor plants, dignified and restorative setting.
A tranquil counseling office in North American / US, featuring comfortable linen armchairs, a wooden coffee table with a small ceramic mug, warm ambient sunlight streaming through a large window, calm sage green indoor plants, dignified and restorative setting.

Christian Counselor Directory: https://www.christiancounselordirectory.com

Christian Care Connect: https://christiancareconnect.com

Retreat Centers

Place matters. There are many dedicated spaces where leaders can unplug, regroup, and connect with God, many at no cost.

Pastor getaways: https://pastorgetaways.com

Free retreats in Hocking Hills, Ohio: https://www.prettygoodpastor.com/pastor-retreats

Free retreats in Lebanon, OH: https://www.facebook.com/RestoringHeartsInternational/

Free Sabbath rest retreats for pastors and spouses: https://drmretreats.org

Streams Retreat Center in central Michigan: https://www.streamsretreat.com

Mentorship and Connection

Ministry isolation is among the greatest obstacles to clergy flourishing. Here are resources to ensure you don't journey alone.

Two faith leaders in reflective conversation seated on an outdoor wooden bench under oak trees in North American / US, drinking tea from simple mugs, compassionate facial expressions, dappled morning light, dignified and serene composition.
Two faith leaders in reflective conversation seated on an outdoor wooden bench under oak trees in North American / US, drinking tea from simple mugs, compassionate facial expressions, dappled morning light, dignified and serene composition.

Pastor Pals: Pastor and Ministry Leaders Social Community App: https://pastorpals.com

The Pastor’s Circle: https://leadersfollowingchrist.org/ministry/

Create Labs Care Review: https://createlabs.community/care-review/

Sabbatical Resources

The word sabbatical is rooted in the Biblical concept of Sabbath which involves ceasing, rest, worship, play and reflection. It is an opportunity to experience the gift of renewal that God offers each one of us. Sabbatical echoes the Biblical practice of letting the land lie fallow every seven years. This allows the earth to replenish itself so that it continues to bear fruit. Sabbatical offers the pastor the gift of time to experience the fullness of Sabbath restoration, trusting that God will continue to work in and through the church, even strengthening it as leaders are challenged and stretched.

A serene timber retreat sanctuary nestled among lush pine trees in North American / US, with a quiet porch overlooking misty mountain hills at sunrise, warm natural light, restorative and peaceful atmosphere with deep forest green hues.
A serene timber retreat sanctuary nestled among lush pine trees in North American / US, with a quiet porch overlooking misty mountain hills at sunrise, warm natural light, restorative and peaceful atmosphere with deep forest green hues.

FEC Resource and Guidance: https://fecministries.org/resources-all/soul-care-provisions/self-care/sabbatical-center/

CRC resources for sabbatical guidance: https://www.crcna.org/pcr/pastors/sabbaticals/sabbatical-guidance